February 2015

06/03/2011

Raising Your AutoCAD Training Standards

By Elvis Sverko

I’ve trained thousands of individuals in various CAD platforms. I’ve used ASCENT and Autodesk training manuals. I’ve stood in front of a class, discussed concepts, and gave demonstrations. I’ve taught at Autodesk University and AUGI CAD Camps. I’ve even delivered classes remotely. But the one item that remains the same is asking yourself if the student grasped the concepts they were being taught.

With CAD, it can be tricky. A multiple choice quiz is one great way to test a student’s comprehension of the topics taught. Although some people might argue that they’re not good test takers. And others who are good test takers, might not be able to turn that knowledge into good executable performance later on.

You can also make a hands-on test, having the student create a CAD drawing or model, then grade them on how close they came to the desired result. Grading an entire class can be time consuming. Is there a good way to speed up even part of the grading process?

With AutoCAD, you can take advantage of the Standards drawing file and Check feature, and test for correct layer settings, dimension styles, line types, and text styles.

First, set up an AutoCAD drawing with the correct settings for layers, dimension styles, line types, and text styles, that the students will need to know how to set up. Save this file as an AutoCAD Standards file with a .DWS extension.

Finally, run the Check Standards command. If there are any discrepancies (ie, wrong answers) you’ll quickly and easily be notified, making the grading of these settings a breeze.

If you’re working in industry, you can also use the Standards feature for checking your set of drawings with that of a clients. And if you have any discrepancies, you can Fix them right there and then with the Fix button. What a great way to raise your standards.

“Keep up the old standards, and day by day raise them higher.” – John Wanamaker